Self-purging, pneumatic conveying apparatus including fluid flow pumps on scales, with agitator, vacuum filled, with material dryer, and of varied means of sequential value operation

ABSTRACT

The disclosure, for classification, is to a pressure vessel with fill valve admitting thereinto material to drop onto a perforate diaphragm, thereafter to be transferred, the gas plenum below the diaphragm having activating gas, as compressed air, controlled to communicate therewith. When a batch of material has been drawn in, the fill valve is automatically closed, the activating gas inlet valve is opened to admit activating gas, as compressed air, to pass upwardly through diaphragm and activate the material to a highly flowable state. A discharge valve is then opened to let the pressurized material flow out through a discharge line to point of transfer. As the pressure in material plenum drops, the discharge valve is closed, the activating gas valve is closed, and a purge valve in a by-pass line, around the discharge valve, is opened, and residual pressure purges the residual material as this pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, for a succeeding cycle to begin. The disclosure is to pressure vessels where the material drops onto the diaphragm via gravity when the fill valve opens, such vessels also being shown equipped to close fill valve responsive to at least one of time actuated means, material lever sensor actuated means, and batch weight actuated, vessel supporting scale generated, pressure fluid signal operated circuitry; also variations of circuitry are shown whereby various steps may be controlled by at least one of pressure, time, level probe position, weight and limit switch position.

United States Patent [1 1 Reuter *Dec. 4, 1973 Inventor: Brian R. Reuter, Houston, Tex.

Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company,

Houston, Tex.

Notice: The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to Nov. 28, 1984,

has been disclaimed.

Filed: Dec. 16, 1970 Appl. No.: 98,567

Related US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. Nos. 518,533, Jan. 3, 1966, Pat. No. 3,355,221, and Ser. No. 686,018, Nov. 28, 1967, abandoned, and Ser. No. 822,126, May 6, 1969.

US. Cl. 302/3, 302/53, 222/195 Int. Cl. 865g 53/00 Field of Search 302/3, 52, 53,56;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/ 1934 Montgomery 222/58 8/1945 Lindholm..... 6/1953 Carter 2/1954 Baresch 5/1967 Primary Examiner'Evon C. Blunk Assistant Examiner-H. S. Lane Att0rneyWilliam E. Ford The disclosure ABSTRACT for classification, is to a pressure vessel with fill valve admitting thereinto material to drop onto a perforate diaphragm, thereafter to be transferred, the gas plenum below the diaphragm having activating gas,

as compressed air, controlled to communicate therewith. When a batch of material has been drawn in, the fill valve is automatically closed, the activating gas inlet valve is opened to admit activating gas, as compressed air, to pass upwardly through diaph ragm and activate the material to a highly flowable state. A discharge valve is then opened to let the pressurized material flow out through a discharge line to point of transfer. As the pressure in material plenum drops, the discharge valve is closed, the

activating gas valve is closed, and a purge valve in a by-pass line, around the discharge valve, is opened,

and residual p ressure purges the residual material as this pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, for a succeeding cycle to begin. The disclosure is to pressure vessels where the material drops onto the diaphragm via gravity when the fill valve opens, such vessels also being shown equipped to close fill valve responsive to at least one of time actuated means, material lever sensor actuated means, and batch weight actuated, vessel supporting scale generated, pressure fluid signal operated circuitry; also variations of circuitry are shown whereby various steps may be controlled by at least one of pressure, time, level probe position, weight and limit switch position.

Claims, 30 Drawing Figures PATENTEDUEC 41m sum 3 or 9' INVENTQR ERMA! RRUT 147'T0RNEY Pmm 412 3,776,599

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ATTORNEY PATENTEDSEB 41973 SHEET 7 0f 9 4454 QSOURCE.

R/AN R. EUTER H5 VAC F\\.\ :OPE VALVE lose.

I N VEN TOR A TTORNE Y SELF-PURGING, PNEUMATIC CONVEYING APPARATUS INCLUDING FLUID FLOW PUMPS ON SCALES, WITH AGITATOR, VACUUM FILLED,

WITH MATERIAL DRYER, AND OF VARIED MEANS OF SEQUENTIAL VALUE OPERATION The invention relates to various combinations predicated on the basic fluid flow pump sequence of fill, activate, discharge, and purge disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3,355,221, issued Nov. 28, 1967, and this application is a continuation-in-part application: of application Ser. No. 518,533, filed Jan. 3, 1966, which issued as the aforesaid US. Pat. No. 3,355,221; of application Ser. No. 686,018, filed Nov. 28, 1967, and now abandoned; and of co-pending application Ser. No. 822,126, filed May 6, 1969.

The inventions relate generally to various fluid flow pump combinations based upon the cycle of material deposit through fill valve on diaphragm, pressurized gas passage through perforate diaphragm to activate material, discharge of pressurized material down discharge line, purge of residual material by residual pressure through a by-pass line around closed discharge valve, pressurized gas valve also being closed; and the reopening of fill valve at start of a succeeding cycle as the vessel pressure falls substantially to atmospheric pressure.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a fluid flow pump of the class described in US. Pat. No. 3,355,221, in which the vessel is supported by a load cell type scale with a compressed air signal from the tare weight adjusted load cell controlling fill valve operation.

It is another object of the invention to provide a fluid flow pump of the class described, in which the closure of the fill valve may be actuated by material level effect upon a probe disposed above the diaphragm and of at least one of vibration sensitive, revolved blade stoppage, and air gap occlusion types.

Also it is a further object of the invention to provide fluid flow pump pressure vessels of the various-types hereinabove disclosed in which circuitry changesmay be made to accomplish various steps by various means,

as fill valve closure by level probe position, discharge valve opening by a timer, dischargevalve and activating gas valve closure and purge valve opening by timer,

valve closure in the various forms of the invention shown, or to be shown herein;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view, partially diagrammatic, showing substantially the invention of FIGS. 1 and 2, but adapted to weigh material being handled and to reflect a weight responsive pressure signal to actuate closing of the fill valve;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a beam scale, as one form of weighing apparatus on which a pressure vessel pump is indicated as being mounted, the fill valve thereof being closed as actuated by chain set in emotion by weight responsive pressure signal emanated from the beam scale;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of beam scale apparatus, showing details of girder chair construction on which the legs of the pressure vessel pump, shown in FIG. 4 and indicated in FIG. 5, are mounted;

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional elevation through a girder chair, as indicated taken along line 77 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a sectional elevational view showing details of shackle and nose-on beam connections, as taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 5, and thus looking rearwardly;

FIG. 9 is a sectional elevational view, taken along line 99 of FIG. 8, looking to the left;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of beam scale mechanism and associated apparatus for imparting weight responsive signals, shown in FIGS. 4-9, inclusive, the housing or cover therefor shown in FIG. 5, having been removed;

FIG. 11 is a sectional elevational view, partially diagrammatic, of the proportionate force transmitter for reflecting weight in terms of pressure, as shown exterifill valve opening by timer, discharge valve opening by load cell signal, discharge valve and activating gas valve closure and purge valve opening by load cell signal, fill valve opening by load cell signal, fill valve closure by pressure fluid signal from the top of the pressure vessel, and activating gas valve opening by fill valve operator limit switch.

Other and further objects will be apparent when the specification herein is considered in relation to the drawings, in which the figures of the continued part of the application are first described, as follows:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partially diagrammatic, showing the parent, fluid flow pumpform of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an electrical diagram of circuitry and apparatus employed in the operation of the form of the invention shown in FIG. 1; also in FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view, partially diagrammatic, of a vibration type level sensor or probe, employable as an alternative means of controlling or safeguarding fill orally in isometric view in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an electrical diagram of the apparatus and circuitry shown in FIGS. 4-11, inclusive;

The figures of the parts of the application directed to new or partially new structures added herein, are described, as follows:

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a fluid flow pump, as shown in FIGS. land 2, mounted to be weighed on a preferred type of scale'termed a load cell, which emits a weight responsive pressure signal to actuate the fill valve closure;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the fluid flow pump shown in FIG. 13';

FIG. 15 is an isometric, development view, of parts indicated in FIGS. 13 and 14, for removably connecting the fluid flow pump to the scaffold or mounting frame shown in such figures;

FIG. 16 is a sectional elevational view, partially diagrammatic, through a load cell shown isometrically below the fluid flow pump in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view, partially diagrammatic,

of a rotated paddle type level sensor or probe, employable preferably in place of the level sensor shown in FIG. 3, or shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, to be hereinbelow described, as an alternative means of controlling or safeguarding fill valve closure in the various forms of the invention shown or to be shown herein;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view,

partially diagrammatic, showing connections, including connections within the sensor housing;

FIG. 19 is an electrical diagram of the circuitry for the form of sensor or probe shown in FIGS. 17 and 18; FIG. 20 is an elevational view, part in section; of an air gap type level sensor or probe, employable alternatively in place of the level sensor or probe shown in FIG. 3 or in FIGS. 17-19;

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatical view of apparatus, circuitry, and connection means therefor, as entailed in operation of the air gap type level probe or sensor shown in isometric view of FIGS. 19 and 20;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view, partially diagrammatic, showing a pressure vessel of any of the types shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; in FIGS. 4-12; or in FIGS. 13-14; as suspended from a load cell that is rigidly supported above floor level, to receive material from a hopper, also rigidly supported from the same level;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for discharge valve opening by time actuated circuitry;

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for discharge valve and gas inlet valve closing and purge valve opening by time actuated circuitry;

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary circuit diagram, showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for fill valve opening by time actuated circuitry;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for opening the discharge valve by a fluid pressure signal actuated responsive to material and gas weight in pressure vessel;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for closing the discharge valve and the gas inlet valve for opening the purge valve by a fluid pressure signal actuated responsive to material and gas weight in pressure vessel;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for opening the fill valve by a fluid pressure signal actuated responsive to depletion of material and gas weight in pressure vessel; the diagram also indicating that an early such signal actuated from a difierent source, the top of the pressure vessel, may serve alternatively for closing the fill valve;

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing cir cuitry involved in opening the gas inlet valve by a" time cycle only after closing the fill valve by limit switch action; and

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary circuitry diagram, showing any of the level probes shown in FIG. 3, in FIGS. 17-19, and in FIGS. 20-21, serving in any of the hereinabove described pressure vessel operative structures, to close the fill valve upon receipt of batch load.

Referring now to the drawings of background or continued parts of the inventions, in which like reference numerals are applied to like elements in the various views, a material container, housing, pump or activator is shown in FIG. 1 comprised of a shell 11 including a cylindrical main body 11a with upper end closed by a top comprised of a spherical segment or dome 12a and a bottom comprised of a spherical segment or lower closure 12b, the container being constructed after the general manner of conventional pressure vessels, and designed with safety factors, to withstand the highest pressures that may be developed therein.

The pressure vessel or container 10 is supported on legs 14 which upstand from a conventional base or grout, not shown. A gas permeable membrane or diaphragm 13 separates the container into an upper, or material plenum 15, and a lower, or'gas plenum 16.

The dome 12a has an inlet flange or neck 16 convalve or fill valve 18 being mounted thereon. A flexible nipple 19 is shown connecting the fill valve 18 with a discharge flange 20 from a hopper 21, the nipple being shown as a flexible member for carrying out an optional function, to be hereinbelow described.

A valve operator 23 is shown diagrammatically, as disposed to open and close the gate valve 18, a piston 23a being shown provided in the valve operator 23, with instrument at admissible under the piston 23a through a conduit 23b to open the fill valve, and with instrument air being admissible through a conduit 23c above the piston 23a to close the fill valve. Obviously, the conduits 23b and 230 must be in a closed compressed air circuit with a pressurized reservoir, or otherwise selectively supplied with compressed air, to carry out their respective functions.

A compressed gas conduit 25 is shown connected into the lower end closure 12b of the shell or pressure vessel 11 and such compressed gas inlet line 25 has a gas inlet valve 26 therein, which is shown connected to be opened and closed by a valve operator 27, constructed and equipped in correspondence with the valve operator 23.

Also, a discharge outlet pipe 28 extends downwardly through the dome 12a to terminate in a pick-up end 28a disposed slightly above the gas permeable or air permeable membrane 13. A valve 29 is shown connecting this discharge outlet pipe 28 with a discharge conduit 30 disclosed in FIG. 1 as being connected by a purge line connection nipple 32 to the outlet side of the purge valve 32. The discharge valve 29 is shown operated by a valve operator 33, which is indicated as being constructed, and as having connections thereto, in correspondence with the fill valve operator 23.

A purge line 34 extends between the purge line connection nipple 32 and the material plenum or chamber 15 and has a purge valve 35 therein to control its opening and closing, a valve operator 36 being shown connected to the purge valve 35 for this'purpose, such valve operator 36 being constructed, and having connections in correspondence with the fill valve operator 23. However, it may be pointed out, inthis regard, that the purge valve 35 should be a normally open valve,

whereas, the fill valve 18, gas inlet valve 26, and discharge valve 29 are normally closed valves.

Noticeably in FIG. 1, and in FIG. 4 (to be hereinbelow described) a support body 37 for a vibratory paddle 38, operative on the tuning fork principle, is shown connected into the cylindrical body of the shell 11, the material sensitive paddle 38 being indicated in dotted lines in each of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 as extending within the housing 10 near the top thereof, such paddle being operative to actuate the valve operator 23, (FIGS. 1 and 4, to close the fill valve 18, as will be hereinbelow described.

An insulative cord 39, having therein the electrical conduits to the paddle 38, extends from the paddle support body 37 to a control box 40, to be hereinbelow described, and shown mounted on the exterior of the activator shell body He. AS shown in FIG. 2, a positive line 41 and a negative line 42 extend from a source of electrical power, the positive line 41 having three parallel lines 41a, 41b and 41c branching therefrom with the line 41a serving when manual control is to be used as will be hereinbelow described with the line 41b serving as a neutral third positive conductor and with the line 41c serving as the positive conductor when automatic control is to be employed. A three-way switch, indicated generally by reference numeral 44, is provided to control the selection of automatic or manual control, as desired, and as shown, the switch 44 incidates that automatic control has been selected, the conductors 41b, 410 thus being closed and the conductor 41a being open.

A conductor 45 extends from the conductor 41, and a push-button switch 45a is shown in FIG. 2 as closing circuit in this conductor, the conductor 41 continuing to a junction with three parallelcircuits including the circuit of a variable time delay relay. 46, thecircuit 47 for a solenoid 48 which operates the fill valve operator 23, (FIGS. 1 and 4,), and the circuit of an indicator light 49 which may be designated as a green light for illustrative purposes.

The conductor 45 continues as the conductor 45c and has contacts 51a therein of a double acting pressure actuated switch 50, such contacts 51a being normally closed at atmospheric pressure and opening upon increase of pressure in the gas plenum 16. The conductor 45c continues from the contacts 51a toa junction with a conductor 45b having therein the normally closed relay contacts 56a of a latching relay 52, the conductor 45b terminating at its connection to the negative power line 42.

A parallel circuit 53 extends from the neutral or central positive conductor 41b, to the junction of the conductors 45c, 45b, such parallel circuit also including therein the contacts 51b of the aforesaid pressure actuated switch 50, such contacts 51b being normally open at atmospheric pressure and closing upon increase of pressure in the aforesaid gas plenum 16. The circuit 53 also has therein an indicating light 54, designated as a yellow light for indicating purposes, as will be hereinbelow described.

Another parallel circuit 55 from the positive conductor 41b has the switch 46a therein which is closed by the variable delay relay 46 at the end of its pr'e-selected cycle, the circuit 55 also having therein the coil 52a of the latching relay' 52, and the circuit 55 being continued by the circuit 45c, as aforesaid. The circuit55,as thus closed, energizes the latching relay coil 52a to open the normally closed relaya'contacts 56a to break cuit 59 which includes the coil for operating a solenoid 60connected to actuate the valve operator 47, (FIGS.

1 and 4,), to open and close the compressed gas inlet valve 26, a circuit which includes the light 61 therein, which is designated as a blue light, for purposes of illustration; and a circuit 62 including the coil for operating a solenoid 63 connected to actuate the valve operator 36, (FIGS. 1 and 4, to open and close the purge valve A circuit 57a continues from the junction of the circuits 59, 61 and 62, and has a switch 64 therein which is closed by the fixed time relay 58 when its circuit has been closed for its fixed period of time, while a circuit 57b continues from the junction of the circuit 57a and the fixed time delay relay circuit 58, to the aforesaid neutral or positive conductor 41b.

Also, a circuit 570 continues from the junction of the v circuits 59, 61 and 62 with the circuit 57, and branches into: a circuit 65 including the coil which operates a solenoid 66 which actuates the valve operator 33, FIGS. 1 and 4, to open and close the discharge valve 29 13);

a circuit including a light 67 therein, which is designated as a red light, for purposes of illustration; and a circuit having a relay 68 therein; a circuit 57d continues from the positive side junction of the circuits 65, 67 and 68, and branches into a circuit 57e having a normally open pressure actuated switch 69 therein, to be hereinbelow described, the positive side connection being completed with the conductor 41c; and into a circuit 57f having a pair of contacts 70 therein operated by the relay 68, and terminating by connection with the neutral or positive conductor 41b. A pushbutton switch 71 is shown in FIG. 2 closing the circuit 410 adjacent its connection to the circuit 57e.

Additionally a circuit 72b, 72a connects the positive or neutral conductor 41c with the negative power line or conductor 42; the circuit 72b having in series therein a pair of contacts 74 (operated by the relay 68 substantially simultaneously with its operation of the contacts 70'onthe circuit 57f, and a normally closed pressure sensitive switch 73, as will be hereinbelow described;) the circuit 7211 having therein the latching relay coil 52b which operates tobreak circuitclosed by the herethe aforesaid parallel circuits 45, 47, 49 and s5, and. upon the solenoid circuit 47 being de-energized, the solenoid 48 retracts and moves the valve operator 23 to close the till valve 18, both valve operator and till valve being shown in FIG. 1, also in FIG. 4.

The latching relay 52 is of the well known type, which, when its coil 52a is energized, it actuates conventional switching means which opens the normally closed contacts 560, and pulls closed the normally open contacts 56b in a parallel circuit 57 extending from the 7 inabove described relay contacts 56b.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, respectively, the gas, as

top of a gauge pipe a which upstands from the main gas line 25 through which the strained gas passes on downstream. A smaller sized by-pass line 25a extends between the gauge pipe 85a and the aforesaid pressure regulating valve 86 in the main conduit 25 and has a pilot regulating valve or regulator 87 therein, thus to permit a finer and more responsive control of the pressurized gas on its way to the pressure vessel 11. A bypass line 87a conveys the reduced pressure gas from the pilot regulator 87 and connects with an upstanding gauge pipe 88 above the main conduit 25 a low pressure gauge 89 being mounted on top of the gauge pipe 88 to indicate the lowered pressure of the gas.

-A conduit 90 extends from the lower closure 12b to conduct pressurizedgas from the gas plenum 16 to the through a strainer 91 therein, and on to the panel box 40, a guage 92 being provided to indicate the pressure of the actuating gas as it passes downstream of the strainer 91 on its way to the panel box pressure sensitive switches, as aforesaid. The instrument air required by the pressure sensitive switches, as contradistinguished from the actuating air or gas, and any other air or gas required to actuate any of the apparatus, as that shown in FIG. 2, or as that required to operate the valve operators shown in FIG. 1 and 4, and may be brought to the panel box 40 through a conduit 93 for selective distribution. Also, the power conductors 41, 42, from a source of electrical power, as a 60 cycle, 1 15 A. C. voltage source, may be brought to the panel box 40 through an insulated conductor cord 95.

A conventional fuse 96 is provided in the positive power line 41, indicated as comprising the conventional fuse strip 96a, and in a parallel circuit therewith, the conventional resistance 96b and indicating light 96c.

Also, as hereinabove referred to with relation to FIGS. 1 and 4, and a material sensitive, frequency change, actuated, control assembly 37 is provided to insure the closing of the fill valve 18 in case the variable time delay relay 46 may not function to close the timeout switch 46a at the end of the time cycle period selected, as indicated diagrammatically in FIG. 2, and as shown partially diagrammatically and in greater detail in FIG. 3.

The fail-safe circuit 75 is shown extending from a point on the conductor 55 between the time-out switch 46a and the latching relay coil 52a, and is continued to a solids state relay housing 98, there to be connected to the junction between a conduit 75a to the normally open side of a relay switch 97, and a circuit 76 which extends to the positive conductor power line 41a, the circuit 76 having the pushbutton switch 77 therein, to be hereinbelow describednNorrhally, the relay switch 97 closes contact between a grounded conductor 97a,

(and thus the negative power line side 42), and a conductor means 99 between the relay switch 97-and the negative terminal of a coil 82 in the control housing 37.

The coil 82, within the housing 37, is indicated externally thereof, by its connections 82a, 82b which terminate within the plug 98. Within the housing 37 the coil 81 energizes a plunger or armature, not shown, in manner that it normally vibrates 120 cycles per second to impart vibration at this frequency to the lower tuning fork tine 38a which is connected to the paddle or vibrator 38. Thus normally the tine 38b also vibrates with the paddle 38 at 120 cycles per second. The vibrations of the tine 381) are imparted to an armature, not shown, which normally actuates asecond coil 81, at an imparted voltage, at 60 cycles per second frequency.

An induction coil, not shown, is imposed across the terminals of the coil 81 within the plug so disposed with relation to the switch 97 that this switch may be shifted when the differential between the line voltage and the imparted voltage achieves a certain value, as in the case when material entering the container or pump extends at such an angle of repose to interfere with, reduce, or stop the vibrations of the paddle 38.

When the aforesaid induction coil between the terminals of the coil 81 thus shifts the switch 97 to close circuit from the neutral or positive side conductor 41b, by way of the conductor 78, the coil 82, and the conductor 99, through the switch 97, as thus shifted, and by way of the conductors 75a, 85, (including the latching relay'coil 52a), and on through the conductor 450, the closed switch contacts 51a, and the circuit 45b, (including the latching relay closed contacts 56a), to the negative power line 42. The energization of the latching relay coil 52a in the circuit 55 results in the latching relay breaking the circuit 45b by shifting open the contacts 56a, whereby the solenoid winding 47 is de-energized to actuate the solenoid 48 to operate the valve operator 23 to close the fill valve 18.

Obviously the quicker the fail-safe switch 97 is operated after a failure of the variable time delay relay 46 to close the time-out switch 460, the less the material from the hopper 21 can over fill the container 10, and the closer the delivered batches of material may be controlled to deliver a desired lesser volume per batch.

Also, it is obvious that the variable time delay relay 46 may be omitted entirely, together with its time-out switch 46a, and in this case the frequency control device 37 alone can be relied upon to actuate the valve operator 23 to close the fill valve 18.

On occasion it may be desirable to operate the filling and evacuation of a vessel 10, 310, by manual control of the sequence of steps, rather than automatically, as hereinabove described. For such occasion, it may be considered that the variable time delay relay 46 and its timing out switch 46a are immobilized. Then a circuit 101 is provided, parallel with the circuit 45, to extend from the positive conductor 41a and to connect with the circuit 45 between the pushbutton 45a and the circuit junction 46, 47, 49. Also, in this case there also serves the aforesaid circuit 76 from the circuit 413. to the junction of the circuits 75, 75a, and having the pushbutton 77 therein; also the circuit-102, parallel with the circuit 57 and connected thereinto between the pushbutton '71 and the normally open pressure sensitive switch 69; also the positive" power circuit 41a is extended to connect with the junction of the circuits 72a, 72b, and to have the pushbutton 103 therein.

Thus, with the three-way switch controlling the parallel conductor lines 41a, 41b and 41c turned from the position shown in FIG. 2, in manner that the conductors 41a, 41b are closed, the conductor 41c thus being left open. Beginning with the container 10 empty and at atmospheric pressure, the pushbutton 450 may be pushed downwardly and held to close the circuit 101. The circuit 47 is thus energized so that the solenoid 48 actuates the valve operator 23 to open the fill valve 18.

- Then, the pushbutton 45a may be released from closing pushbutton 45a has closed the circuit 101, activation of the material may be started, after the pushbutton 45a has been released, by manipulating the pushbutton 77 to'close the circuit 76. Circuit is thus closed through 'the circuit 75, the circuit 55 including the latching relay coil 52a, and to the negative power line side 42,

by way of circuit 45c, closed contacts 51a of the pressure sensitive switch 50, and the circuit 45b, including the latching relay closed contacts 56a therein. This energizes the latching relay coil 52a to operate the latching relay 52 to break the contacts 56a and close the contacts 56b.

Circuit is thus closed to the fixed time delay relay 58, which actuates the time out switch 64 to close the solenoid coil circuit 59, thus to actuate the valve operator 27 to open the compressed air valve 26; also the solenoid coil circuit 62 is closed whereby the solenoid 66 actuates the valve operator 35 to close the purge valve 36.

Thus, the operator of the apparatus may observe the gauge 92 and when the pressure indicates that the vessel is ready to discharge, or when the operator appreciates that a proper time interval after the opening of the gas inlet or compressed air valve 26 has taken place, the pushbutton 71 may be pushed to close the circuit 102, the normally open, pressure switch 69 being closed by the pressure that has built up in the vessel.

Thus, as aforesaid, the armature 65 may move to set in operation the opening of the discharge valve 29, while circuit is closed to operate the second relay 68 so that it closes the circuit 57f, and closes the contacts 74 to partially close the circuit 72b. Discharge may thus continue as long as the pushbutton 71 is held closing circuit 102, or even if the operator may now release the pushbutton 71, since in this case the circuit continues completed through the contacts 70 in the circuit 57f, even after the pressure has fallen enough to cause the pressure sensitive switch 69 to open.

Thus to purge a pump 10, after the pushbutton 71 has been released, or thereafter, or at any time, with the three-way switch 44 turned to manual operation, (41a, 41b, closed), it is only necessary to push the pushbutton 103 to close circuit with the circuit 72a to energize the latching relay coil 52b, which, when energized, opcrates, as aforesaid, to close the circuit 45b and to break the circuit 57, whereby the .purge valve 35 is opened and the compressed air valve 26 and discharge valve 29 are closed. Then, as the purge pressure diminishes the normally closed, pressure sensitive switch 73 opens, and as the pressure falls further to substantially atmospheric pressure, the contacts 51a of the pressure sensitive switch 50 close, and the pushbutton 45a may again be pushed to close the circuit 101 to admit material into the container 10.

In FIGS. 1 and 4, respective conduits 23b, 27b, 33b and 36b connect into the respective fill, compressed gas, materials delivery and purge valve operator cylinders 23, 27, 33 and 36, under the respective piston heads 23a, 27a, 33a and 36a respective conduits 23c, 27c, 33c and 360, connect into such cylinders above the respective piston heads therein. Thus, conductor cords or sleeves 23b, 27d, 33d, and 36d, for the respective conduits for the respective valve operator cylinders aforesaid, are provided to extend from the control or panel box 40, where conventional instrument air, as from the instrument air conduit 93, may pass through respective conventional solenoid actuated'valves, not shown, as operated by the aforesaid solenoids 48, 60, 66 and 63, to admit the operative air, gas or fluid, selectively into the conduits 23b or 230; into the conduits 27b or 270; into the conduits 33b or 33c; and into the conduits 36b or 36c; selectively to open or close the aforesaid fill valve 18, compressed gas valve 26, (326), materials delivery valve 29, and purge valve 35.

As shown in FIG. 2, a light 49 is in circuit parallel with the solenoid circuit 47 and the variable time delay relay circuit 46, and thus the light 49 is on when the fill valve 18 is open; also a light 61 is in a circuit parallel with the solenoid circuit 59 which actuates the valve 26 which admits the material activating compressed gas, and with the solenoid circuit 62 which closes the purge valve; and also a light 67 is in a circuit parallel with the solenoid circuit 65 which actuates the opening of the materials delivery valve 29. Additionally, a light 54 is shown in a circuit 53 which is complete when the latching relay 52 is actuated to close the contacts 56a while the pressure within the container is still high enough to maintain closed the contacts 51b of the pressure sensitive switch 50. Thus, this occurs after the purge valve 35 has been re-opened by opening of the latching relay contacts 56b, to permit the purging of the container by the residual pressure therein until such pressure drops to substantially atmospheric so that the pressure sensitive switch 50 is actuated to open the contacts 51b and close the contacts 51a, thereby breaking the circuit 53 which contains the light 54 therein.

The lights 49, 61, 67 and 54 may have selectively differently colored bulbs, as, respectively, green, blue, red and amber, thus to indicate, respectively, that filling, activating, discharging and purging are taking place.

The respective valve operators 23, 27, 33 and 36, may be used to operate the respective fill valve 18, compressed gas delivery valve 26, material delivery valve 29, and purge valve 35, but it is often not necessary, in the case of light duty installations, and/or in the case of the valves 26, 29 and 35, that special valve operators may be required for their operation. In such cases the solenoids 60, 66 and 63 may thus be connected directly to the respective valves 26, 29 and 35, to effectuate their operation.

As to the gas permeable membrane 13, this may be variously constituted to carry out various requirements. The membrane 13, (313), may be a flexible diaphragm as of a heavily woven cloth, as of cotton, or of a synthetic or plastic cloth as of nylon or dacron. Also instead of being flexible the membrane may be rigid or substantially rigid. Thus it may be of woven metal, or of non-corrosive woven metal, such as stainless steel, to combat corrosion. Also it may be of a porous ceramic, also to avoid corrosion, as well as to provide a stable membrane. An additional advantage is there being selectivity'in the synthesis of the membrane resides in the fact that a wider range of materials can be handled to pass through the membrarie under the most advantageous conditions where this selectivity is available.

Also, as to the fail-safe feature of the vibrating paddle 38, the sensitivity of this feature is such that it can be regulated to operate almost instantaneously as a container first starts to overfill, so that the relay 52a is energized to operate the latching relay 52 immediately the variable time delay relay 46 fails to function. Additionally, as set forth hereinabove, the vibratory paddle 38 may be used instead of the variable time delay relay 46, as the primary functional element to actuate the closure of the fill valve 18. In such case the sensitivity of the paddle 38 to adjustment, can determine the promptness of sensitivity to material to close the relay switch 97.

A popular embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 4-12, in which the pump 10, shown in FIG. 1, is mounted on a floor stand scale hopper, FIGS. 4 and 5, and adapted to transfer a batch of material when the batch weight entering the pump attains a predetermined weight. The hopper scale 80 is thus adapted to reflect weight in terms of pressure and thus the time delay relay 46 shown in FIG. 2 is replaced in the circuitry shown in FIG. 12 by the symbol PS indicating that the switch 46a is closed responsive to pressure.

The floor stand hopper scale 80 on which the pump 10 is shown mounted in FIGS. 4 and provides for each leg 14 of the pump 10, a girder chair 79. The support block 127 of each girder chair 79 has a pivot block 139a pin-connected to extend therebelow, centrally thereof, and an inverted V-shaped groove in the lower surface of the pivot block 139a is provided to seat upon the beveled edge of a pivot bar 140a, (FIG. 7) which extends upwardly from a cross-connecting rod 141a between two longitudinally spaced apart, transversely inwardly extending lugs 142a, 142b, the outer ends of the lugs being rigidly connected to a respective main lever pipe 143. The hopper scale 80 thus provides a pair of these lugs 1420, 142b for each girder chair 79 and corner stand 144, to be hereinbelow described.

Each corner stand 144 supports the weight transferred thereto from a pump leg 14, as the corner stands 144 in turn seat upon the floor or grout. For this reason, each comer stand 144 is slotted in direction longitudinally of the pump or machine to receive a pivot block 139b pin-connected thereinto. Each pivot block 139b, as thus mounted, has a V-shaped groove extending longitudinally, centrally thereof, to provide a seat for the bevel edge or blade edge of a pivot bar 140b which is carried by a cross-connecting rod l4lb which extends between the two lugs 142a, l42b.

It may be seen that each comer stand 144 provides a fulcrum which extends longitudinally of the hopper scale mounted pump 10, the lug units 1420, 142b which extend parallel to each other and transversely of the machine being mounted on such fulcrums, with the girder chairs 79 which transmit the load of the respective pump legs 14 thereabove being'disposed inwardly of the fulcrums with relation to the longitudinal axis of the machine. Thus the main lever pipes 143, on the opposite or outer sides of the fulcrums from the impressed loads, will tend to be lifted upwardly but for restraining or counter balancing forces. I

Referring again to the girder chair construction, each support block 127 is shaped substantially as a tee, with a hole bored through each end of the cross-arm 127a, to receive a pin 145 therethrough. A chain link 146 is fitted over the pin 145 just outwardly of the cross-arm 127a, a washer just outwardly of each chain link 46, and a retention pin is passed through the outer ends of each pin 145 to hold the washers and chain links 146 assembled to the support block 127.

For reasons of clarity-the washers and retention pins are not shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. A connection bar 147 is extended through the chain links 146 on each pin 145 and connected, as by machine screws, not shown, into the legs 149 of each girder chair 79. Also the seat plate 150 of the girder chair 79 is assembled by machine screws 148, FIG. 6, to the legs 149 in spaced relation above the support block 127. The retention pins on ends of the pins 145 are disposed to leave some play therealong for the washers and chain links 146. Also, the connection bars 147 may have location lugs 131 (FIG. 7), on their underside on either side of the respective chain links 146, and slightly spaced therefrom. Thus, when the legs 14 of a vessel 10 seat upon the girder chairs 79 it may be said that the girder chairs 79 may float with relation to the lug units 142a, 142b on whose cross-connecting rod pivot bars 140a they are mounted, thus to pass along the load imposed by the vessel 10 to the floor stand hopper scale in a balanced manner.

When the weight of the vessel 10 is balanced upon the four girder chairs 79 with the comer stands 144 providing what could be termed fulcrums, but for balance, there would be the greatest tendency to lift the main lever pipes 143 outwardly of the comer stand fulcrums 144. On the other hand, the main lever pipes 143 extend forwardly of the girder chairs and have the outer ends of respective transverse beam plates 152a, 152b, connected across the front ends thereof. The beam plates 152a, 1521; are connected centrally across the front of the beam scale 80 by nose-irons, to be hereinbelow described, which are carried by a bracket shackle assembly 155, also to be hereinbelow described.

The bracket shackle assembly 155, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, comprises an outer U-shaped bracket 153 and an inner U-shaped bracket 154, with the upper ends of both brackets receiving the outer ends of a swivel pin 156 therethrough, the pin 156 also passing through the body 157 of a swivel assembly 160, as the swivel body 157 between the upper arms of the inner U-shaped bracket 153.

The shackle body 157 includes an upstanding member 158 into which is connected a connection bolt 159 which passes downwardly through the base 161 of a swivel link 160. The S-hook 162 which extends downwardly from the draft shackle 172 of the beam scale 165, as disposed in the beam box 170, is urged downwardly by the weight of the hopper scale 80, which transmits the weight of the vessel 10 to the beam scale 165.

This transmission of load or force components may be understood by a further consideration of FIGS. 8 and 9, as orientated by reference to FIG. 5. The inner end of the beam plate 152a is notched upwardly to receive an upper nose iron holder 164a, which carries a specially hardened nose-iron 166a therein, having a downwardly disposed bevel edge. An upper clamp plate 167a fits downwardly over the nose iron holder 164a, and around the inner end of the beam plate 152a, and bolts or screws 168 connect these members as the bolts extend from one side of the clamp plate 1670 to the other side thereof.

Also, the inner end of beam plate 152b is notched downwardly to receive a lower nose iron holder 164b, which carries a specially hardened nose-iron l66b therein, having a downwardly disposed bevel edge. A lower clamp plate l67b fits upwardly over the nose holder164b, and around the end of the beam plate 152b, and bolts or screws 168 connect these members as the bolts extend from one side of the clamp plate 167b to the other side thereof.

The upper, inner U-shaped bracket 154 mounts an upper swivel block 1690 thereon, with a bolt 171a passed upwardly through the foot of the bracket into the swivel block providing a vertical pivot axis of swing, as the head of the bolt 171a below the bracket 154 holds the swivel block 169a in assembly. The upper nose-iron 166a fits into a beveled groove in the upper face of the swivel block 169a to complete the assembly of right transverse beam plate 152a and bracket shackle assembly 155. Also, the lower or outer U- shaped bracket 153 mounts a lower swivel block 1691: thereon, also with a bolt 17lb passed upwardly through the foot of the bracket into the swivel block providing a vertical pivot axis of swing, as the head of the bolt 17 lb below the bracket 153 holds the swivel block. [69b in assembly. The lower nose-iron 166b fits into a beveled groove in the upper face of the swivel block 169b to complete the assembly of left transverse beam plate 152 b and bracket shackle assembly 155.

As thus assembled the combination of knife-edge connections and swivel connections of the complementary transverse beam plates or bars 152a, l52b and bracket shackle assembly 155, is such to balance out any irregularities and keep the downward pull on the S-hook 162 substantially in proportion to the weight of the material in the vessel with the weight balanced out. With reference to FIG. 7, the balance of forces and construction can be considered on the premise that the weight on the draft shackle 172 is such, with tare weight adjusted, as to bear a direct proportion to the effective weight of material in the vessel at any instant.

The shank of the draft shackle 172, shown in FIG. 10, from which the S-hook 162, shown in FIG. 9, extends downwardly, is mounted upon a primary lever 173 within the beam box 170, an end of the primary lever 173 extending into an inverted yoke or bearing bracket 174 upon the floor or base 175 of the beam box. At its opposite end the primary lever 173 extends slidably into a double yoke member 176 with a pin 177a through the lower, inverted yoke portion 176a supporting the primary lever therein. The upper yoke portion l76b of the double yoke member 176 receives an end of a secondary lever 178 therein, as retained by a pin l77b thereabove, and a bracket member 179 providing an inverted yoke 179a receives the secondary lever 178 therein in manner to provide a second fulcrum, the bracket member 179 being rigidly connected to an upstanding backing plate 180, as by a machine bolt 179c,- the bracket member 179 being affixed to the beam box floor 175. Also, a retainer pin l79b is shown passed through the bracket member 179 below the secondary lever 178.

A tare weight 181 is disposed upon the right or free end of the secondary lever 178 to balance out the tare weight of the vessel 10, as may be accomplished in conventional manner, Now, considering motion, as the weight (equivalent to material weight in vessel) acts downwardly on the draft shackle 172, the left end of the primary lever 173 moves downwardly, and the left end of the secondary lever 178, (connected to the same double yoke member 176), also moves downwardly, whereby the part of the secondary lever 178 to the right of the fulcrum supplied by the inverted yoke 179a], moves upwardly. This results in an upwardly urging force being exerted on a plunger 182 in the lower end of a proportionate force transmitter 183, as will be hereinbelow described with relation to FIG. 11.

The proportionate force transmitter 183 has the mission of receiving filter instrument air at some predetermined pressure, as 30 p. s. i., via the conduit 90a from a filter regulator 195. Then, by proper pressure reduction adjustment and calibration, the force applied upwardly through the push rod 182 results in the air leaving the proportionate force transmitter 183 at pressure of say 3 p. s. i, as filling begins, up to say 12 p.s.i., when filling has been completed, to set in motion the closing of the fill valve 23, (FIGS..1 and 4).

The proportionate force transmitter 183 comprises a body including a pilot housing 183a, a diaphragm assembly or exhaust ring 189, a pilot ring 188, a damper housing 183b, and a push rod housing 1830. A bushing 193 is threaded through a locknut 198 and into the push rod housing 183C, centrally thereof, with a ball bushing 196, within the bushing 193, comprising the element which actually establishes the journal for the push rod 182.

A spring 187 receives a spring seat 184 thereon and a retaining ring in a groove near the head of the push rod 182 seats upon the spring seat 184, as the spring 187 urges the head of the push rod 182 upwardly against the under sides of a diaphragm support disc or round plate 197 under a lower damper diaphragm 199a which extends across space between interior of push rod housing 1830 and damper housing 183b, and outwardly between the aforesaid damper and push rod housings 183b, 1830.

An upper damper diaphragm 199b between pilot ring 188 damper housing 183b extends across space therebelow in the damper housing 183b which connects by means of a vertical passage 201 with the space therebelow above the lower damper diaphragm 199a.

A restriction screw 202, having a transverse hole 203 therein, extends transversely into the damper assembly 183b and is adjustably threadable thereinto thus to adjust the amount of opening or passage space between the air space above and the air space below the adjustment screw 202. Thus the action, of upward thrust of the push rod 182, upon the air or compressed gas within the damper housing 183b, may be adjustably dampened, as the filling of the pressure vessel on a weight indicator results in a constantly increasing and normally fast acting force urging upwardly on the push rod 182. 1

Centrally of the upper damper diaphragm 199b, a pin 204, with round head upwardly, extends downwardly therethrough to be retained by a ring 206, as one that may be press-fitted around the pin 204 with upper surface of ring glued to the under side of the diaphragm 199b. The pin head or flange is disposed below a leaf spring 207 mounted within space within the pilot ring or leaf spring housing 188, a bushed bore 208 extending downwardly through the housing 188 to communicate with the space therebelow around the leaf spring 207 and above the upper damper diaphragm 199b. The leaf spring 207 carries a ball member centrally therein to be urged against by the pin head or flange to close the bore 208 to prevent overtravel of the pressure switch PS, FIG. 12, in closing the switch arm 46a to start fill valve closure, upon the pressure vessel 10, FIG. 4,-reaching predetermined till level.

A needle valve 210 extends into a transverse bore 209 in the pilot ring or leaf spring housing 188, with such bore including the needle valve seat therein, and at innermost end such bore joins a bore downwardly from space under the lower diaphragm 211a of the exhaust ring or diaphragm assembly 189.

A port 212 is provided to pass downwardly in the leaf spring housing 188 to communicate with the transversely extending needle valve bore 209 outwardly of the needle valve elements and inwardly of the packed head of the needle valve. A set screw is shown provided in a threaded bore in the leaf spring housing 188, to communicate with the needle valve'bore 209 to bear against the stem of the needle valve to maintain it as adjusted. The fluid (instrument air) to the needle valve 210 has passed through a screen or strainer 205 disposed in a cored passage 217 in the exhaust ring 189a of the diaphragm assembly 189, and upstream from the exhaust ring and diaphragm assembly body 189 it has passed through a passage 214 in the pilot body, base or top 183a, between the inlet 215a from the conduit 90a, and an opening through the upper diaphragm 2l lb of the aforesaid diaphragm assembly 189.

The exhaust ring 189a of the assembly 189 has a transverse port 216 therethrough to communicate with the space just inward thereof, and between the upper and lower diaphragms 211b, 211a. Centrally, the assembly 189 provides a lower disc or plate 218 upon the diaphragm 211a, and spaced thereabove by spacers, an upper, annular plate 219 under the diaphragm 21 lb. A spring base and valve seat 220 bears upon the upper diaphragm 2l1b and extends centrally therethrough to be retained by keeper means inwardly of the annular plate 219. Y

The inlet 215a in the pilot top or housing 188a.

communicates inwardly with a vertical counterbore 221 with a bore 222 concentric therewithin providing a valve seat for atandem valve 224 with lower valve element to seat upon the valve seat 220 through the upper diaphragm 211b. A spring 190, within a low pressure or discharge space 225, bears downwardly upon the spring base and valve seat member 220 and upwardly against the pilot base or top body 183a within the discharge space 225. A retaining screw 226 is threadably adjustable into the counter bore 221 and is recessed to receive the upper end of a spring 227 therein, the lower end bearing upon a shoulder provided on the tandem valve 224 the upper seating member thereof.

By adjustment of restriction screw 202 the force exerted by the push rod 182 against the fluid above the diaphragm 199a is dampened so that there is no chatter and intermittent closing and then opening of the bushed bore 208 by the ball valve element carried by the leaf spring 207. The needle valve 210 is so moved to regulate the reduced pressure instrument air that is permitted to enter the space between the upper damper diaphragm l99b and the lower diaphragm 211a, that the fluid in this space is converted to act as a fluid piston. Also the leaf spring 207 is adapted to be raised by the pin 204 in the diaphragm l99b to close off further movement of the diaphragm assembly 211a, 211b at the end of travel to close the pressure switch thatactuates switch arm 46a to close the fill valve.

As to the downstream fluid in the space 225, this is supplied instrument air past the upper valve element of j the tandem valve 224 to show a predetermined reduced pressure, say 3.p.s.i., with the pressure vessel empty. Then, the travel produced by the fluid piston upon the diaphragm assembly 211a, 21 lb being known, needle valve adjustments sets the instrument air constituting the fluid piston at such pressure that this travel is obtained, the space 225 fluid thus being pressurized up to said 12 p. s. i. as the pressure sensitive switch P. S. actuates fill valve closure.

In case of excess pressure in instrument air supply line a, 215a lifting tandem valve 224, (as adjusted seated by spring 227 under retaining screw 226), the tendency to build up the low fluid pressure in space 225 is counter-balanced by the fact that the lower valve element of the tandem valve 224 will be lifted off the seat in the valve plate 220 to let the excess fluid bleed off through the plates 219, 218 and out the passage 216.

Details of construction heretofore not identified by reference numerals: a relief valve 31 is shown indicated above the pressure vessel top 12a in FIG. 1; also in FIG.

Noticeably, as has been heretofore explained, the frequency sensitive device 37 shown in FIGS. 1, 1 and 4, and in detail in FIG. 3, may be used alternatively to actuate fill valve closure in the forms of invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but not in the form of invention shown in FIG. 4, due to the characteristics of the materials adapted to being weighed. However, in all three forms of FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 4, the frequency sensitive device may be used as a fail-safe or safeguarding device to serve if the predetermined first means for closing the fill valve does not work.

A form of scale termed a load cell 240 is shown in FIGS. 15-18, which has a number of advantages over the beam scale shown in FIG. 4 as supporting the fluid flow pump 10 of FIG. 1. Functionally and primarily such a load scale registers a very small displacement under great weight, with the displacement being capable of accurately responding to minute displacements, and with the load cell being the subject of accurate calibration of the pressure fluid signals it imparts.

The load cell is, in essence, a pneumatic weight transmitter comprising a weight measuring instrument or scale 240, on which a fluid flow pump or pressure vessel 250, FIG. 13, may be point mounted, in manner to be hereinbelow described. A frame 241 is shown in FIG. 13 upon a base 242, which seats on the floor or shop level 243, as of a plant or business. The frame 241 of structural angles is comprised of upper runners 241a, uprights 241b, and lower runners 241c affixed to the base 242.'Channels 244a, 244b extend across between two opposed runners, and support a base plate 245 on which the load cell 240 is mounted;

The fluid flow pump 250 shown in FIG. 13' above the load cell 240 may be any of the pumps or vessels 10 or 310 hereinabove described, or any of the pumps to be hereinbelow described, as aforesaid. Balanced connection to the frame 241 is obtained as will be set forth. Lugs, as the lug 244, FIG. 13, are connected to the respective uprights centrally thereof, and successively around the frame in swastika pattern. Also four channels 251, in diametrically opposed pairs, are connected to the pressure vessel shell to extend radially outwardly therefrom, with directions of the channels facing in the same way, or in swastika fashion. Then the threaded end of each eyebolt 245 is passed outwardly through its respective lug 244, and has a nut 246 threaded thereon. See FIGS. 14 and 15 with relation to FIG. 13.

A connection bolt 247 has its threaded'end passed in outward direction through. a bore 248a in the outer end of a connection plate or strap 248 and then through the eye of the eyebolt 245, then through a washer 249 to have the nut 246 threaded upon the outer end of the connection bolt 247. A similar bolt 247 has its threaded end passed inwardly through a bore 248b in the inner end of the strap 248, then through the eye of a slightly shorter eyebolt 245a, then through a washer 249to" assembly hold-down ring 252a, a tare'weight and damper chamber plate 252b, a vent chamber plate 252c and a control champer plate 252d. An upper diaphragm or flexible member 253a has its peripheral area confined between the plate 252b and the assembly ring 252a. inwardly of the ring 252a, and concentrically spaced therefrom, an anvil or assembly hold-downplate 254a seats over the central area of the upper diaphragm 253a, with the central area of the upper diaphragm being supported underneath, as will be hereinbelow described. An anvil or cover disc 255a is in-- stalled upon the plate 254a by machine screws 256 with a central boss 257a thereon having a recess 258a centrall therein to receive a lower segment of a sphere or ball 259. The plate 254a and disc 255a together comprise the anvil 254.

The lower surface of the pressure vessel or fluid flow pump 250, FIG. 13, is indicated as being substantially flattened in FIG. 16 over a limited distance, whereby to receive an upper or connection plate or disc 255b thereagainst for connection to the bottom of the pressure vessel 250 as by machine screws 256, Such disc 255!) has a central boss 257b thereon, having a recess 258b centrally therein, downwardly facing, to receive ball 259 with relation to the pressure vessel, it may be.

said that the pressure vessel 250 has substantially balanced, point supported contact on the load cell 240;

this being true especially in view of the adjustably balanceable manner by which the pressure vessel 240 may be connected'to the frame 241, as aforesaid.

A central diaphragm of flexiblemember 253b has its peripheral area confied between the plate 252b and the vent chamber plate 252c. A flange260 shown in FIG. 16 as having substantially the same outer diameter as the hold-down plate 254a bears upwardly against the upper diaphragm 253a. Such flange 260 provides centrally, a downwardly facing, centrally recessed boss 260a to receive loose titted into the recess 261 an upper spring retainercup 263a. V

The hold-down plate 254a has a central recess 25% downwardly therein, and is centrally bored, as is the upper diaphragm 253a, and also the flange 260, to receive the assembly rod 265 therethrough. Within the recess 254b a large assembly nut 262 is threaded upon the upper end threaded portion 265a of an assembly rod or stud 265, with a lock nut 266a being threadable upon the threaded portion 265a to bear in locking relation upon the upper surface of the adjustably positionable aforesaid assembly nut 262. r

The tare weight and damper chamber plate 252b has a large central bore therethrough'and is counterbored thereabove, upwardly to the same diameter as the inner diameter of the hold-down ring 252a, thereby providing a measurable annular area of upper diaphragm 253a to be exposed to the tare weight adjustment fluid pressure to be hereinabelow described as provided in the damper and tore weight adjustment chamber 263.

The upper spring retainer cup 263a, slidable upon the stud or rod 265, is borne upwardly to seat in the boss recess 261 by the spring 264 which bears downwardly within a lower spring retainer cup 263b which is adjustably threadable upon the lower threaded portion 265b which of the assembly rod or stud 265.

A bearing ring 267 below the lower spring retainer cup 263b receives the stud 265 therethrough, the stud 265 passing centrally through the central diaphragm 253b. Thus outwardly of the ring 267 and inwardly of the bore through the plate 252b there is provided a measurable annular area of central diaphragm 25312 that is subject to the tore weight adjustment fluid pressure to be hereinbelow described. A retainer or locknut 266b is threadable upon the stud lower threaded portion 265b to retain the bearing ring or washer 267 against the central diaphragm 251%. An adjustment air passage 268 (right) is shown passing radially through the plate 252b to communicate with the chamber 263 and a corresponding radial passage 268 (left) is shown plugged with a closure plugged fitting 269, but which may be employed to serve additionally or alternatively with the passage 268 (right). The admission of adjustment air or fluid into the chamber 263, and the control thereof, will be described hereinbelow.

The vent chamber plate 2520 is bored centrally to the same diameter asthe plate 252b thereabove, and has a lower counterbore therein, whereby the aforesaid bore and counterbore provide a vent chamber 270. A spool 271, having upper and lower flanges 271a, 271b, thereon of the same diameter as 'the outer diameter of the washer or bearing ring 267, is provided to occupy the vent chamber 270, with the lower portion of the stud 265 threadably extending downwardly therethrough. The lower flange 27lb of the spool 271 bears centrally upon a lower flexible'diaphragm 2530 which has its peripheral area retained between the vent chamber plate 2520 and the control chamber plate 252d therebelow. C 1

An'annular upper bearing ring 272a, of slightly lesser outer diameter than the vent chamber' counterbore, of substantially greater inner" diameter than the spool flange diameters, and of slightly lesser thickness than than the depth of the vent chamber counterbore, is shown concentrically disposed in the vent chamber 270 to bear upon the lower diaphragm 2530, and is prefera-. bly affixed thereto,- as by glue or industrial cement. Be-' tween the inner periphery of the bearing ring 272a and the spool flange periphery, a measurable annular area of the lower diaphragm 253e, is provided that is subject to vent chamber, usually atmospheric, pressure thereabove, and to control chamber fluid .pressure therebelo'w, to be hereinbelow described.

Radial vent passages 273 are shown in the vent chamber plate 252c for communicating the vent chamber 270 with ambient or atmospheric air. The load cell housing or body is indicated as being assembled by flat head machine screws 274 passed downwardly successively through ring 252a, diaphragm 253a, plate 252b, diaphragm 253b, plate 252e, diaphragm 2530, and plate 252d, with at least the lower, threaded portion of the screw being threadably engageable down into the control chamber plate 252d, and preferably threadably engageable through all or most of the parts thereabove.

The lower or control chamber plate 252d has lowermost a centrally threaded bore to receive an externally threaded valve seat member 275 therein, and thereabove three successively larger counterbores are provided, together to comprise the control valve chamber 276. The uppermost counterbore in the plate 252d is of substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the vent chamber counterbore immediately above the lower diaphragm 253C.

An annular, lower bearing ring 272b, corresponding in dimension with the upper ring 272a, and thus of thickness less than the depth of the uppermost counterbore in the control chamber plate 252d, is disposed concentrically within the uppermost control chamber plate counterbore, as by affixing to the underside of the diaphragm 2530, as by industrial cement or glue. Inwardly of the ring 272b, and centrally under the diaphragm 253cc there is disposed a guide cup 277 having upwardly a flanged head 277a of the same diameter as the spool flange on the upper surface of the diaphragm 253e, thereabove. The lower end of the stud 265, which passes centrally through the diaphragm 253, is threadably engaged centrally downwardly to terminate in the guide cup head 277a, thus to bring the upper surface of the flange head 277a to bear in assuredly assembled relationship against the under surface of the aforesaid diaphragm 2530.

It can thus be seen that any weight placed on the load cell 240, as by the pressure vessel 250 thereabove, in empty state as to batch material, but with all operative apparatus and accessories thereon, as they reflect in weight, constitutes tare weight. Obviously this tare weight will tend to cause the upper diaphragm 253a to flex or yield downwardly, and by virtue of the assembly of elements within the load cell body or housing to the assembly rod or stud 265, a corresponding movement tendency is transmitted through to the central diaphragm 253b and the lower diaphragm 253c. Tare weight adjustment thus may be described as pressurizing the chamber 263 to cause the upper diaphragm 253a to move up a degree under tare weight so that only material weight or batch weight produced motion registers in the control or net weight chamber 276.

To accomplish such pressurization of the chamber 263, an adapter nipple 278 is shown threaded into the outer end of the fluid passage 268 (right) to have a tare" control device or fitting 279 mounted thereonto which receives compressed air into the side thereof opposite the nipple 278 through an inlet nipple 280a. The tare control 279 comprises a regulator which may beimme diately or remotely operated or controlled to place the compressed air inlet in communication with the cham-' ber 263 to permit the introduction of compressed air thereinto to offset the tare weight, as aforesaid, so that only the weight of the net or material batch load may be reflected by the net load or control chamber 276, as will be hereinbelow described.

A valve element 281 has a lower face that seats upon the upper or inner surface of the valve seat 275 normally to occlude a bleed hole or relief passage through an orifice fitting 286 that is indicated in FIG. 16 as having been press-fitted centrally through the valve element 275. The upper part of the valve element 281 comprises a cup or spring retainer in which seats a control spring 282, the upper end of the spring2 82 bearing upwardly against the under surface of the flange head or flange 277a comprising the upper member of the aforesaid guide element 277 in the lower portion of which bears slidably the upper portion or spring retainer cup of the valve element 275. 7

As shown in FIG. 16 a source of pressure fluid supply, as compressed air, arrives through a conduit 280, and branches at a tee 280b, with part to pass via a nipple 280e, through a union 280d, a nipple 280e, and elbow 280f to the aforesaid inlet nipple 280a, into the tare control fitting 279. From the central or intersecting leg of the tee 280b, a nipple 280g connects into a flow regulator fitting 283 of simple and conventional design having the function of controlling or regulating the flow of pressure fluid that passes therefrom through an externally threader adapter member 283a via an inlet passage 284a, into the load cell control chamber 276.

Leading from the control chamber 276, on the opposite side thereof from the inlet passage 284a, there is shown in FIG. 16 an outlet passage 284b, with an adapter fitting 285 threaded into the outer end thereof, and with a rubber tubing 286 connected onto the outer end of the adapter fitting 285, to transmit the pressure fluid signal responsive to net load measured by the control chamber 276, as will be hereinbelow described. Noticeably in this regard, the orifice 285a through the adapter fitting 285 is substantially smaller in diameter than the passage 284b, and than the passage or conduit through the rubber tubing 287. Thus the adapter fitting 285 may be termed as choke adapter. I

Any impact that otherwise might be imparted to the anvil 254, as by the rapid filling of the pressure vessel 250 with batch material, is adequately and forcefully opposed or dampened by the spring 264, thereby protecting the upper diaphragm from rupture anywhere along the annular area 287 where internal fluid pressure is opposed by the weight on the anvil 254 thereabove. Also, any downward movement imparted to the upper diaphragm area 287, (by way of the tare weight adjustment chamber 263, as pressurized to neutralize tare weight), on to the central diaphragm area 288, is not transmitted on to the lower diaphragm area 289, and to the control chamber therebelow, because the vent chamber 270 below this diaphragm area 288 is vented to atmosphere, as through the passageways 273.

Thus any downward movement caused by batch weightor net load build up in the pressure vessel 250 is only transmitted from anvil 254 via the connecting rod or stud 265 to the diaphragm 2530, including its area 289. Responsive to this downward urging under batch weight or net load impulse, the flange head 277a compresses the control spring 282, and the guide member 277 moves downwardly upon the valve element 281, therebydecreasing the volume of free, effective space for fluid flow between control chamber inlet and outlet.

The pressure fluid that flows through the flow regulator 283 into the chamber 276 builds up pressure therein, since the fluid enteres much faster than it can escape through the choke passage 285a, and normally with fill valve closed, is at say 3 p.s.i. Excess fluid, tending to raise pressure in the chamber 276, being bled off through the bleed passage 286. Upon fill valve opening, as the volume of the chamber 276 is decreased under batch load, the pressure in the chamber 276 reaches a pressure that balances the net load, batch weight, or weight not neutralized by tare weight adjustment. Then the pressure remains constant and any excess air will 

1. Material transporting apparatus comprising a pressure vessel including a gas permeable diaphragm bridging the lower part of said vessel above the bottom thereof and dividing it into a material plenum thereabove and a gas plenum therebelow, a fill valve to admit flowable material through the top of said vessel into said material plenum to upstand from said diaphragm, a compressed gas inlet valve communicating into said gas plenum, a discharge valve controlled discharge conduit with discharge valve disposed exteriorally of and in communication with the upper part of said material plenum, a purge valve controlled by-pass conduit with purge valve disposed in communication with the upper part of said material plenum adjacent and around said discharge valve, operative circuitry including control means, and being operable to open said fill valve, said circuitry including at least one of time actuated means, material lever sensor actuated means, and batch weight actuated, vessel supporting scale generated, pressure fluid signal operated circuitry, to close said fill valve, said operative circuitry then being automatically operable sequentially to close said purge valve while opening said gas inlet valve to admit pressurized gas substantially uniformly through said diaphragm and to activate said material to a high state to open said discharge valve for material to pass through said discharge valve and outwardly through said discharge conduit, then to close said discharge valve and open said purge valve for the residual compressed gas to purge residual material through said purge valve and said by-pass conduit, and material out-wardly through said discharge conduit, then to open said fill valve, as aforesaid, said operative circuitry including time actuated means to function in at least one of the opening of said discharge valve, the closing of said discharge valve and of said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve, and in the opening of said fill valve.
 2. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of it, high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.
 3. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of it, high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.
 4. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of it, high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.
 5. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of it, high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.
 6. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of it, high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.
 7. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge bElow a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.
 8. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means, to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.
 9. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means, to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes to function, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.
 10. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.
 11. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.
 12. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to funcion in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.
 13. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.
 14. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to func-tion in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill vAlve.
 15. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.
 16. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes to function, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.
 17. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.
 18. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.
 19. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.
 20. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.
 21. Material transporting apparatus comprising a pressure vessel including a gas permeable diaphragm bridging the lower part of said vessel above the bottom thereof and dividing it into a material plenum thereabove and a gas plenum therebelow, a fill valve to admit flowable material through the top of said vessel into said material plenum to upstand from said diaphragm, a compressed gas inlet valve communicating into said gas plenum, a discharge valve controlled discharge conduit with discharge valve disposed exteriorally of and in communication with the upper paRt of said material plenum, a purge valve controlled by-pass conduit with purge valve disposed in communication with the upper part of said material plenum adjacent and around said discharge valve, operative circuitry including control means, and being operable to open said fill valve, said circuitry including at least one of time actuated means, material level sensor actuated means, and batch weight actuated, vessel supporting scale generated, pressure fluid signal operated circuitry, to close said fill valve, said operative circuitry then being automatically operable sequentially to close said purge valve while opening said gas inlet valve to admit pressurized gas substantially uniformly through said diaphragm and to activate said material to a high state, to open said discharge valve for material to pass through said discharge valve and outwardly through said discharge conduit, then to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve for the residual compressed gas to purge material through said purge valve and said by-pass conduit, and material outwardly through said discharge conduit, then to open said fill valve, as aforesaid, said operative circuitry including material weight actuated, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to function in at least one of the opening of said discharge valve, the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve, and in the opening of said fill valve.
 22. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of its high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes to function, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.
 23. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of its high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.
 24. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of its high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.
 25. Material transporting aparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes to function, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressuRe sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.
 26. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes to function, as material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.
 27. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.
 28. In combination with a pressure vessel having uprights extending upwardly thereabove, an upper platform for supporting a load cell thereon with openings therein to receive said uprights guidably slidably therethrough, a lower platform providing the load cell upper anvil centrally thereunder to seat upon the lower anvil carried at top of said load cell, and means to connect said uprights at top to said upper platform, material transporting apparatus comprising said pressure vessel and said pressure vessel further including a gas permeable diaphragm bridging the lower part of said vessel above the bottom thereof and dividing it into a material plenum therabove and a gas plenum therebelow, fill valve means to admit flowable material into the upper portion of said vessel to upstand from said diaphragm and controlling an inlet conduit, a valve controlled, pressurized gas entry conduit into said gas plenum, a discharge valve controlling a discharge conduit and disposed in said discharge conduit exteriorally of said pressure vessel, a valve controlled,purge conduit from said pressure vessel and by-passing said discharge valve to join into said discharge conduit downstream of said discharge valve, automatically operative circuitry including at least one of a level probe, timer means, and a load cell emanated signal transmitting means to actuate opening of fill valve means, including at least one of a limit switch closed by fill valve closure and timer means to actuate opening of said gas entry valve, and including at least one of pressure sensitive switch means , load cell emanated signal transmitting means and timer means to accomplish at least one of opening said discharge valve, of closing said discharge valve and said gas entry valve while opening said purge valve, and of opening said fill valve to start again the aforesaid cycle.
 29. Material transporting means as claimed in claim 28, which additionally includes a purge valve controlled by-pass conduit with purge valve disposed in communication with the upper part of said material plenum and to connect into said discharge conduit downstream of said discharge valve.
 30. Material transporting means as claimed in claim 28, in which said pressure vessel discharge is downwardly, and in which a motor driven agitator is provided to sweep through the material is it upstands above said diaphragm.
 31. Material transporting means as claimed in claim 28, which additionally includes a hopper for material, at a higher elevation that said upper platform, and in which said inlet conduit iNcludes a downspout.
 32. Material transporting means as claimed in claim 28, in which said fill valve means comprises an upper and lower fill valve above said downspout with a flexible connection therebetween, and in which said circuitry includes means to insure that said upper fill valve closes slightly before said lower fill valve closed. 